It is my belief that if these companies can get near term secured financing that the upside is at least 5:1 and most likely 10:1.

I have worked with Williams. I am of the opinion that they have substantial assets and should be able to get a secured financing.

Bob

Williams Reaches Agreement in Principle for New California Power Contracts And Resolution of All State Claims Against the Company

Williams today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the state of California and other parties including Washington and Oregon on a global settlement that is expected to result in a new long-term energy contract between Williams and California. Additionally, the agreement resolves all of the California's outstanding litigation and claims against Williams, including the state's claims for refunds that are at issue at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The settlement is subject to final documentation.

The following parties have been actively involved in the settlement discussions and will be working to implement the agreements during the next few weeks: representatives of the California Department of Water Resources; the California attorney general (on its own behalf and on behalf of Oregon, Washington and California municipalities that had brought actions against Williams); the California Public Utilities Commission; the Electricity Oversight Board, and representatives for civil litigants.

Williams intends to work with California to present the terms of the settlement for the new long-term energy contracts to FERC Judge Curtis Wagner at the Aug. 5-6 settlement conference in its long-term contract complaint proceedings. Williams also intends to work toward finalizing agreements necessary to resolve the remaining litigation, including civil actions, as a part of the global settlement.

"By working together, we have designed a global settlement that will benefit all parties and bring closure to issues that have created uncertainty around Williams in the market," said Steve Malcolm, chairman, president and CEO of Williams. "The new long-term contracts will ensure that California consumers will have power under more flexible terms and Williams will continue to benefit from long-term power sales in the California market."